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Walking Gangnam Style in memory of Chiara, four

A GROUP of energetic fundraisers are preparing to take on a 26-mile challenge in memory of a four-yearold girl who died of a brain tumour – and they say they will be dancing all the way.

Chiara Campari-Moss, from Downs Way, Salisbury, died in January just a few months after she was diagnosed with an inoperable and aggressive form of brain cancer.

Her family and friends have already raised more than £7,000 for Naomi House children’s hospice, where Chiara was cared for, and are hoping their marathon effort in the Clarendon Way Walk on Sunday, June 1 will raise £6,000 more.

Chiara loved dancing, singing and music and one of her favourite songs was the infectious hit Gangnam Style.

A large group of mothers from local schools, businesses and Chiara’s nursery, Busy Bees in London Road, have created a team called Walking Gangnam Style for Chiara.

They will be walking between Winchester and Salisbury cathedrals and will be joined halfway by Chiara’s mum, Paola Campari-Moss.

“In Chiara’s name we have already raised £7,000 for Naomi House over the last six months,” she said. “It’s going to be great to almost double that in a day and all for just a few blisters and a lot of goodwill from our friends and families who've sponsored us.

“We’re going to be dancing the whole way.”

The fundraising effort was organised by Jane Jenks, a nurse in the intensive care unit at Salisbury District Hospital.

"I was hoping to have a couple of people walking with me and I'm thrilled with the response I got,” she said.

Money in Chiara’s memory has already been raised through cake sales, donations and other fundraising events.

A peaceful butterfly garden, with butterflies designed by Chiara’s seven-year-old sister, Ariana, has been created at Wyndham Park Infant School where Ariana is a pupil.

Busy Bees Nursery will also have a special garden in memory of the well-loved, bubbly and brave little girl.

Chiara spent a month at Naomi House after suffering a brain haemorrhage and was able to go swimming, ice skating, do arts and crafts and meet some of her heroes – thanks to the specialist skills of the dedicated staff there.

Nearly 600 people will be tackling the Clarendon Way Walk to raise £100,000 for the Sutton Scotney hospice.

Places on the Clarendon Way Walk cost £15 for adults and £10 for under 18s and walkers are asked to raise as much sponsorship as they can.

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